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We try to keep this page up to date, but if you experience a 'broken link', we apologize!
We try to keep this page up to date, but if you experience a 'broken link', we apologize!
Wed., October 23, 2024
Do I Have to Go? Navigating the PA State Archives Catalog and Digital Collections
Finding your way around the Pennsylvania State Archives website, catalog, and digital collections can be difficult, especially for those unfamiliar with the Archives’ collections. This presentation will provide an in-depth look at the State Archives catalog and online resources. It will cover how to search the catalog, interpret the results, and identify what is and is not accessible digitally online. The presentation will also cover basic search room policies and procedures and what researchers can expect when visiting the new facility. Our presenter: Aaron McWilliams is the head of Public Services for the Pennsylvania State Archives.
Watch Aaron's program...
State Archives program handout
Do I Have to Go? Navigating the PA State Archives Catalog and Digital Collections
Finding your way around the Pennsylvania State Archives website, catalog, and digital collections can be difficult, especially for those unfamiliar with the Archives’ collections. This presentation will provide an in-depth look at the State Archives catalog and online resources. It will cover how to search the catalog, interpret the results, and identify what is and is not accessible digitally online. The presentation will also cover basic search room policies and procedures and what researchers can expect when visiting the new facility. Our presenter: Aaron McWilliams is the head of Public Services for the Pennsylvania State Archives.
Watch Aaron's program...
State Archives program handout
Wed., September 25, 2024
How to Write Ancestral Stories Your Relatives Will Want to Read
Part of the thrill of genealogy is sharing our discoveries with those we love, so it can be disappointing when our family members and friends have no interest in the subject. However, with good research, thoughtful planning, and a dash of ingenuity, we can create engaging stories designed to entice even the most reluctant readers.
Our presenter was Pam Vestal, who entered the field of genealogy after a twenty-year career as a professional writer. She lectures on a wide variety of topics and is especially qualified to guide us in gathering information and forming the story.
Watch Pam's program...
Pam's Handout
How to Write Ancestral Stories Your Relatives Will Want to Read
Part of the thrill of genealogy is sharing our discoveries with those we love, so it can be disappointing when our family members and friends have no interest in the subject. However, with good research, thoughtful planning, and a dash of ingenuity, we can create engaging stories designed to entice even the most reluctant readers.
Our presenter was Pam Vestal, who entered the field of genealogy after a twenty-year career as a professional writer. She lectures on a wide variety of topics and is especially qualified to guide us in gathering information and forming the story.
Watch Pam's program...
Pam's Handout
GeneaBreaks 2024
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These GeneaBreaks focused on accessing church records. The program begins at the 40 MINUTE mark.
Click here to access the August 14 Zoom recording
Click here to access the October 9 Zoom recording... (no handout)
Click here to access the August 14 Zoom recording
Click here to access the October 9 Zoom recording... (no handout)
City Directories offer a wealth of information! See below for potential content - you might find a gold mine of information!
City Directories handout
Source: Family Search
Potential Content
City Directories handout
Source: Family Search
Potential Content
- An alphabetical listing of inhabitants (arranged by name, address, and occupation).
- A street address listing (arranged by address, name, and occupation).
- Widows, working women, and adult children at home.
- Ward maps.
- Street locator, including cross streets.
- Street name changes.
- Removals (sometimes destinations!).
- Businesses (and index to advertisers).
- Addresses and maps of churches, schools, funeral homes, cemeteries, post offices, courts, hospitals, benevolent associations, newspapers and often the names of persons associated with those entities.
- Many early directories listed only businesspeople.
- Some directories list wife in parenthesis.
- Whether a woman is a widow (including name of husband).
- List of marriages and deaths of previous year.
- Death date of recently deceased person who had been listed in a prior directory.
- Date of canvas that was used to create the directory (which may help pinpoint the time of year an ancestor may have arrived in a place)
Census Records
The Zoom recording of this session has expired; however, you will find lots of helpful information in the handout!
Census handout
The Zoom recording of this session has expired; however, you will find lots of helpful information in the handout!
Census handout
Marriage Records
The Zoom recording of this session has expired; however, you will find lots of helpful information in the handout!
Among commonly used record collections for genealogists are the vital records known as BMD or birth, marriage, and death records. The spotlight for this month is shining upon marriage records. Paperwork associated with the marriages of our ancestors will vary among states, counties, and countries.
Marriage Records handout
The Zoom recording of this session has expired; however, you will find lots of helpful information in the handout!
Among commonly used record collections for genealogists are the vital records known as BMD or birth, marriage, and death records. The spotlight for this month is shining upon marriage records. Paperwork associated with the marriages of our ancestors will vary among states, counties, and countries.
Marriage Records handout
Birth and Baptismal Records
The Zoom recording of this session has expired; however, you will find lots of helpful information in the handout!
Vital records consist mainly of birth, marriage, and death records. A great fact about these types of records is how multiple generations are listed within the record. When it comes to birth records, most countries require civil registration with either a birth certificate or a birth registration. For example, in Pennsylvania, birth certificates were first used in 1906; however, at the county or city level, birth registrations were used much earlier, primarily from 1893 - 1905.
Birth and Baptismal Records handout
The Zoom recording of this session has expired; however, you will find lots of helpful information in the handout!
Vital records consist mainly of birth, marriage, and death records. A great fact about these types of records is how multiple generations are listed within the record. When it comes to birth records, most countries require civil registration with either a birth certificate or a birth registration. For example, in Pennsylvania, birth certificates were first used in 1906; however, at the county or city level, birth registrations were used much earlier, primarily from 1893 - 1905.
Birth and Baptismal Records handout
Traveling to another state or country?
Match your goals with achievements with our tips
We shared tips and strategies with our friends in the ABC Family History Association in Northern Ireland.
Match your goals with achievements with our tips
We shared tips and strategies with our friends in the ABC Family History Association in Northern Ireland.
Updated: 03 November 2024